Reply To: A question probably only John can answer (pintle mounted MGs).

[grantinvanman 6670xp 1]

The .50 on the Sherman was mounted behind and to the rear of the hatch – and if you watch “Fury”, the crew would have to get out to use the .50 (bonkers!).

On “modern” tanks, all the pintle mounted weapons are (logically) where the hatch opens and can be used by the crew. Leopard C2, for example.

Regarding the pintle lock, when engaged, the weapon is only horizontal. Disengaged, the weapon is controlled by the user to traverse and pivot, to allow lateral, declination and inclination fire as required.

My time was spent at the crossover time from the Canadian C5 GPMG (7.62mm M1919), and the C6 GPMG (“modern” 7.62mm) – and I certainly spent time using both mounted and dismounted.

The .50 was not used on the Leopard C2, but was on the Lynx recce tracked vehicle. I didn’t spend time on the Lynx. On ILTIS, we had the other options. I primarily was recce, ILTIS. Basically, a VW Rabbit on steroids 🤣

The Bundeswehr version of the ILTIS was fordable with a solid body pan – the Bombardier made Canadian version had drain holes, making it awesome at nothing  …